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Youth, Power & Performance

Youth Empowerment through Applied Theatre Research

A study on empowering systemically marginalized youth through applied theater.

Drawing on over twenty years of scholarship from Diane Conrad's academic career in applied theater research with systemically marginalized youth, this book examines applied theater research conducted with youth in three specific contexts: alternative high schools, a youth jail, and street-involved youth.

By highlighting youths’ voices and youths’ creations, this book offers an introduction to the theoretical considerations for the research, suggests practical strategies for engaging with marginalized youth, and describes how the applied theater process developed. It also addresses specific considerations for working with incarcerated and Indigenous youth and explores the ethical considerations in conducting such work and the role of applied theater in social change. The book will be of interest to applied theater researchers, instructors, practitioners, students, drama teachers, and youth workers.
 

196 pages | 6.69 x 9.61 | © 2025

Art: Art--General Studies

Education: Education--General Studies


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Reviews

"Youth, Power, Performance is a significant contribution to the field of applied theatre and youth studies. It offers a compelling argument for the role of theatre in empowering marginalized youth and provides a nuanced exploration of the ethical and practical dimensions of this work. Conrad’s book is both an inspiring and thought-provoking read, encouraging readers to consider how performance can serve as a tool for social justice and personal transformation. By centering on the voices and experiences of marginalized youth, the book not only sheds light on their struggles but also celebrates their resilience and creativity."
 

Farah Ali, Drama Research

Table of Contents

Foreword: Risk More, Dream Bigger and Connect Deeply by Mindy R. Carter

Chapter 1: Considerations for Applied Theatre with Systemically Marginalized Youth 

Chapter 2: Engaging Systemically Marginalized Youth in Applied Theatre Research

Chapter 3: Applied Theatre Processes for Working with Systemically Marginalized Youth

Chapter 4: Applied Theatre in the Context of Incarceration

Chapter 5: Engaging with Indigenous Youth through Applied Theatre 

Chapter 6: The Potential for Youth Empowerment and Advocacy

Chapter 7: Tensions and Ethical Considerations in Doing Applied Theatre with Systemically Marginalized Youth

Chapter 8: Applied Theatre Research as Social Performance

Appendix 1: Five Applied Theatre Projects

Appendix 2: Guidelines for Drama Ensemble

Appendix 3: Index of Applied Theatre Games, Exercises & Activities

Appendix 4: Image Theatre Example

References 

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